>MUST READ – Some key excerpts from Princeton Health Care System Website:
A Closer Look at the Need to Relocate
The relocation plan has been the result of a lengthy, collaborative effort involving the input not only of PHCS officials, physicians and staff, but also local residents, civic leaders and emergency service personnel, to ensure that the project serves the healthcare and community needs of area residents.
The Princeton HealthCare System Board of Trustees in January 2005 decided to relocate the hospital after determining that a new campus would provide the necessary space for advanced medical services, easier access for patients and room to expand with the region’s growing population.
The decision followed a two-and-a-half year strategic planning process that included a careful review and analysis of the health needs of the community, changes in clinical practices and the delivery of care, technological advances, projected demographic changes in Central New Jersey, accessibility and the existing hospital facilities.
Building on a larger site that is not in the midst of residential neighborhoods enables Princeton HealthCare System to construct a state-of-the-art facility without any of the limitations of the existing site. Building new allows the hospital to accommodate the most up-to-date medical technology; provide private patient rooms, which helps reduce the chance of infection and enables it to comply with current American Institute of Architecture guidelines and applicable code requirements; and have a helicopter pad so it can accept patients who are flown in and transport patients to other facilities when necessary.
Additionally, building a new hospital on a new site ensures there will be no disruption of service during the construction period.
Tapping into Community Support
Community involvement was critical throughout the decision-making process.
In addition to meeting regularly with two community advisory committees that consisted of concerned community leaders and neighborhood representatives, officials from Princeton HealthCare System met with area residents during more than 70 community group meetings.
The PHCS senior management team also worked closely with the Princeton HealthCare Task Force, an independent group composed of borough and township planning officials. The task force explored the options of renovating versus relocating thoroughly.
By working together, PHCS and the community reached the consensus that relocation is the best choice for the future of the hospital and the region.
https://www.princetonhcs.org/
